I am sitting in “my room” in my boss’ castle in Gusterheim, Austria. Never though I would say that sentence! But it isn’t as glamorous as it looks, at least not for me. The castle is cold. It creaks everywhere. The furniture is old, dirty, musty. There is no shower. And it’s not a very big castle – only 16 bedrooms! 🙂 Actually I don’t mind the fact that the castle is old. I have grown used to this kind of living quarters from my time in Zimbabwe. Though I am slightly puzzled as to why a family with such wealth wouldn’t, well, renovate. But perhaps this is a very American idea. They are, after all, old Bohemian aristocracy so perhaps they don’t feel the need to demonstrate their wealth in the same way as we do. Instead, they demonstrate it through their longstanding traditions of superiority. I am not allowed to dine with them at the table, as I am not family or a guest. Instead, I eat in the kitchen with the cook, gardener, maid, and nanny. I don’t mind eating there per se (certainly as opposed to having to sit through endless German conversations at the dining table), but I certainly find this idea strange on principal. Nonetheless, I cannot deny that being here is an interesting experience for a few days. The “castle” is situated at the foothills of the Alps, so I can see a few snow-covered peaks buried behind the many rolling green hills surrounding our lush valley. I took a walk yesterday (the only day it wasn’t cold out!) and enjoyed the countryside feeling, with the yellow flowers, grass blowing in the wind, and scattered homes with big brown cows. The day before, I was given a tour of the surrounding towns. Though modern consumerism has arrived to central Austria more than a tourist would hope to see, there are still remnants of the Middle Ages – a wall here, a church there, a monastery, a bell tower, and an old castle. The old castle, in particular, was interesting as it has belonged to my employer’s family since the 13th century! The castle is in ruins now, but Christoph and I received a tour (because his school theme is on knights) and it was interesting to hear about the minstrel that lived there and the relationship he developed with the surrounding area and lords. This family has very ancient history! The castle I am currently in used to be the courthouse of the town, as my employer’s family was in charge of the justice system in this area. The gallows are only 15 minutes away via a road that was first created by the Romans some 800 years ago! Friday, I will go to Vienna for the weekend, and I am excited. I am also nervous, as I don’t really speak German and I haven’t traveled to a country where I don’t speak the language in a long time. It should prove to be an interesting weekend and I look forward to blogging about it. (By the way, last weekend I was yet again in Cape Town). We were meant to be in Austria, but had to take a quick detour. I spent a night out with friends I had made last time and we painted the town red! I seriously love that city, as it was no less stunning the second time around. Do I hear a future job in Cape Town calling my name?)
